India's Evolving Stance on Israel-Palestine: Navigating Complex Realities

16-10-2023

Alexandra Posta

East and South Asia Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

In the aftermath of the unprecedented October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, India's response to the Israel-Palestine conflict has drawn international attention due to its notable departure from historical support for the Palestinian cause, raising concerns about the shift in its geopolitical alignment and potential implications for diplomatic relationships (The Wire, 16 October 2023).

India, historically a supporter of Palestine, has experienced a notable shift in its stance, raising concerns about the potential impact on its international reputation. The government's unequivocal support for Israel, without addressing the broader context of Palestinian grievances, marks a departure from the balanced approach adopted by earlier administrations (The Wire, 15 October 2023). This shift has been attributed to internal political considerations and a desire to align with the United States in key geopolitical theaters, such as the Ukraine conflict (The Wire, 16 October 2023).

The Hamas attack on October 7, characterized by unprecedented military and intelligence innovation, has left Israel and its allies, including the United States, grappling with the implications (The Wire, 13 October 2023). The fact that Palestinian groups have not previously executed such a sophisticated military assault deep inside Israel has prompted global scrutiny (The Wire, 13 October 2023). The aftermath of the attack has led to the largest-ever Israeli military assault on Palestinian lands, with potential repercussions across West Asia. This shift in dynamics is likely to strain bilateral relations, impacting agreements such as the Abraham Accords and the India-Israel-US-UAE connectivity corridor (The Wire, 16 October 2023).

India's unreserved support for Israel in the aftermath of the Hamas attack has raised questions about its alignment with the United States, potentially at the cost of challenging colonial occupations, a historical stance of India (The Wire, 16 October 2023, The Wire, 13 October 2023). The government's eagerness to signal support to the U.S. in key geopolitical theaters, following its perceived omission in the Ukraine conflict, may impact India's relationships with nations like Russia and influence its geopolitical positioning (The Wire, 13 October 2023).

India's failure to condemn the extensive Israeli military actions in Gaza and articulate a call for a just and lasting peace has invited international criticism (The Wire, 15 October 2023). The UN secretary-general's criticism of Hamas, coupled with acknowledgment of the long-standing Israeli occupation, highlights the complex nature of the conflict (The Wire, 15 October 2023). India's departure from its historical support for the anti-colonial Palestine cause is evident in its current statements (The Wire, 15 October 2023).

The domestic aspects of India's stance may cause the potential influence of domestic politics on its foreign policy (The Wire, 15 October 2023). The conflation of the Gaza conflict with local issues, such as protests in the Kashmir Valley, suggests a strategic shift in framing the narrative for domestic consumption (The Wire, 15 October 2023). This narrative shift raises concerns about potential implications for India's internal harmony (The Wire, 15 October 2023).

International actors and stakeholders emphasize the need for a nuanced approach, considering the geopolitical complexities, humanitarian concerns, and domestic implications (The Wire, 16 October 2023, The Wire, 15 October 2023). As India navigates these intricate diplomatic waters, it must balance its strategic interests with its historical principles, taking into account the diverse perspectives and potential consequences (The Wire, 16 October 2023, The Wire, 15 October 2023).

SOURCES

The Wire. (16 October 2023). What India Is Getting Wrong About the Israel-Hamas Conflict. Available at https://thewire.in/diplomacy/what-india-is-getting-wrong-about-the-israel-hamas-conflict.

The Wire. (15 October 2023). By Siding With Israel, India Is Jettisoning Decades of Middle East Statesmanship. Available at https://thewire.in/diplomacy/by-siding-with-israel-india-is-jettisoning-decades-of-middle-east-statesmanship.

The Wire. (13 October 2023). Rooting for Israel, Not a Good Word About Palestine: Modi Is Upending Indian Foreign Policy. Available at https://thewire.in/diplomacy/rooting-for-israel-not-a-good-word-about-palestine-modi-is-upending-indian-foreign-policy.